Before I knew it, a week had passed since Weiss and I started training together. In other words, it also meant we had been skipping class for the same amount of time. What I learned during this week is that training truly is supreme, and skipping school makes life remarkably carefree.

—I’m actually looking forward to going back.

Just being free of stress can make you feel so positive. People really do need to take breaks now and then.

"Let’s go, Weiss."

"Yeah. Thank you for today as well."

"Sure."

The Hero, who had been terrible at getting up in the morning, now had everything ready before I even had to drag him out of bed. In just a week, he had grown tremendously—he was practically a different person now. So much so that he could effortlessly hurl insults I hadn’t expected to hear from him before.

"What’s with that flimsy swing!? Are you done already!?"

"What did you say!? I’m just getting started!!"

—I might have influenced him a bit too much… but, oh well. It’s nothing to worry about.

For better or worse, the timid boy from before was gone.

"He’s in good spirits today, huh?"

"Yeah, he is."

The morning training had become a daily routine. Harsh words flying around in the dormitory’s backyard had become so normal that the other residents training nearby didn’t even notice anymore.

Weiss was already swinging more than two thousand times—and doing so while fully enhancing his body. Previously, he wouldn’t have been able to manage this many swings at full strength, but now he still had plenty of energy left. Even so, the amount of sweat pouring off him was no joke.

"Today’s training will take all day. You can keep the morning swings light."

"Got it!!"

We paused training at a good stopping point. Today was the day for the joint training session that Volt-sensei had mentioned before we started skipping classes.

The end of this training period made me feel a bit sentimental. This week had been eventful. For me, it had been a rare opportunity to focus entirely on training, and it had been incredibly fulfilling. The same could be said for Weiss.

"Still don’t want to go to class?"

"Oddly enough, not at all. I used to be so scared of Bain and his group, but now… now I know there’s someone far scarier…"

"Oh? If you’ve got that much energy left, how about we add more swings??"

"N-no, I’m fine!!"

When I jokingly suggested more swings, the Hero frantically shook his head.

"I’m kidding."

"You’re terrible at jokes…"

I laughed at his reaction. Though he shot me a resentful glare, I brushed it off and headed back to the dormitory.

First-Year Joint Training

As the name suggests, this was a training session involving all first-year students. It served as a platform to demonstrate each class’s strength and unity, as well as to establish a hierarchy.

Every year, renowned knights or warriors were invited as special instructors for this traditional event—

"This year’s special instructors are Sir Gilflare Ashflame and Lady Glass Greyfrost of the Seven Peerless Swords!!"

"Whoa!!"

Cheers erupted as the two knights stood on the temporary stage. This year’s instructors were exceptionally prestigious.

"I can’t believe they got two of the finest knights…"

"My sister…"

We were gathered at the First Training Ground—the largest facility in the academy. Weiss and I had already parted ways due to being in different classes. I stood with the other students in the advanced class, listening to Volt-sensei introduce the knights. Though it had been a while since I last attended class, I didn’t feel much nostalgia. After all, I hadn’t really participated in lessons properly during my first go-around either.

—But having Freesia next to me is nostalgic.

While I felt this strange sense of familiarity, the battle-obsessed noblewoman beside me seemed genuinely surprised to see her relative on stage. Even I couldn’t help but be surprised. To think Gilflare would show up with her… This was yet another divergence from my first life.

From the stage, the leading female knight easily spotted me and Freesia, giving us a small wave. Unsure how to respond, we could only stand there, bewildered.

Freesia’s elder sister—Glass Greyfrost. The two looked strikingly alike, though Glass had short, light blue hair cropped at her shoulders. I’d crossed paths with her a few times at the knights’ garrison, even sparred with her, but none of those encounters were fond memories.

—I’d better steer clear of her today.

Resolving to keep my distance, I focused on Volt-sensei’s explanation.

"Today’s joint training is meant to promote camaraderie and assess each class’s capabilities. Don’t get too carried away and hurt yourselves, alright? First, start with sparring drills with those nearby. Get ready!"

"Yes!!"

Gathering five hundred students in a single training ground was an impressive sight. Despite the large number, the students moved quickly. Perhaps they were eager to show off in front of the Seven Peerless Swords, their excitement was palpable.

"Now then…"

As the others prepared for sparring, I scanned the area for Weiss. It didn’t take long to find him. He was clearly being excluded by his classmates, standing alone, yet his expression remained calm. That much was reassuring.

—Still, it’s hard not to worry as a mentor, huh?

While my classmates were busy pairing up for sparring, I quietly stepped away from the group. Skipping out on training right after returning to class might seem questionable, but I couldn’t help it. My disciple was about to face his nemesis, and I had a duty to witness it.

—I owe him that much!

As I moved, a hand suddenly gripped my shoulder, and a sweet voice spoke from directly behind me.

"Where do you think you’re going without a sparring partner, hmm?"

"—"

Instantly, a chill ran down my spine. My instincts screamed at me to retreat, but my body wouldn’t move. Like a frog frozen before a snake, I turned to see—

"How about playing with your dear big sister for a change, Clay?"

"N-no, thank you… Lady Glass…"

Standing there was none other than the beautiful yet terrifying Glass Greyfrost, looking strikingly similar to Freesia but with an entirely different presence.

"Could you let go of me, please?"

"If you want to get away, be my guest~"

Before I could react, she had wrapped her arms around me from behind, completely immobilizing me.

"There’s no way out now…"

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to break free out of pride or adolescence. I literally couldn’t escape. She had expertly locked my joints, rendering me helpless. This alone should give you an idea of how dangerous she was.

"Let go of Clay, Sister!!"

Freesia, standing nearby, tried to pull her sister off me, but Glass wouldn’t budge.

"Stop it, Freesia! If you move carelessly, she’ll—ngh!?"

"It’s been so long, Fuu-chan~"

What might seem like a dream scenario—two beautiful sisters vying for your attention—was anything but. I was terrified. I knew all too well how dangerous Glass was, to the point where Freesia, the battle-hungry noblewoman, seemed like an ordinary girl in comparison. My joints were on the verge of bending in unnatural directions, making the situation genuinely life-threatening.

"Glass, stop playing around. I know you’re happy to see him, but focus on your job."

"Yes, sir…"

Salvation finally arrived in the form of Gilflare, who held an equal—or perhaps greater—position among the knights.

"Thank you…"

Just before my spine was about to twist in a full circle, I was freed from Glass’s grip. I was deeply grateful to Gilflare.

—As expected of the finest knight.

While this nonsense unfolded, Weiss was already about to face his destined showdown.